Structureal panel and building constructed therefrom



March 23, 1965 F. H. HAKER 3,174,590

STRUCTURAL PANEL AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTED THEREFROM Filed July 10, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 //4 P /6 2 .24 24 F3 l c 24 74 INVENTOR. FLOYD hf HA/(ER BY H15 ATTORNEY March 23, 1965 F. H. HAKER 3,174,590

STRUCTURAL PANEL. AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTED THEREFROM Filed July 10 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 5C March 23, 1965 F. H. HAKER 7 STRUCTURAL PANEL AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTED THEREFROM Filed July 10, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. FLOYD H HA/(ER BY 11/5 ATTORNEY F. H. HAKER March 23, 1965 STRUCTURAL PANEL AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTED THEREIFROM 4 \o No *0 .t J x a ut 7 M h m Wm s w 1 e e mm mm h m s 0 If 5 l 6 9 l 0. m l y l u J a 9 h i F March 23, 1965 F. H. HAKER 3,174,590

STRUCTURAL PANEL AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTED THEREFROM Filed July 10, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent 3,1745% STRUCTURAL PANEL AND BUHDING CONSTRUUTED TIIEREFRUM Floyd H. Halt-er, Dallas, Tern, assignor to Anna-Strut Corporation, Dallas, Tern, a corporation of Texas Filed July 10, 1961, Ser. No. 122,695 Claims. (Cl. 189-34) The present invention relates to the fabrication of buildings and more particularly to improved structural panels and buildings fabricated using such panels.

Many applications exist for relatively small buildings that can be easily and quickly erected and, if desired, dismantled for movement to another location. Usually it is required that these buildings be able to afford maximum protection to the components or materials that are stored within both from the elements and living creatures which may disturb the contents of the buildings. As the buildings are frequently erected at geographical locations that are relatively inaccessible, it is desirable that the components utilized in fabricating the buildings be easily transported and that the completed buildings require little or no maintenance. Microwave installations that are presently being erected at many points throughout the world are exemplary of such applications.

With an aim to fulfilling the need for such buildings, many metal structures have been devised. However, in general these structures require a large number of clamps, brackets, bolts, screws, and other hardware in their assembly.

The present invention provides a new structural panel especially useful for fabricating such buildings. According to the preferred embodiment, the panel is formed of metal clad plywood of the type that is presently available. A clip member is provided along two edges of the metal clad plywood such that when the new structural panel is used with U-beams having an inwardly turned outer edge, the new structural panel may be installed by the simple expedient of snapping the clips onto the U-beams. A completely weatherproof joint is produced and there is very little opportunity for leaks to develop because there is no necessity for holes of any type to be punched or drilled into the walls themselves. As the metal clad plywood provides a structural panel of great strength, the panel will provide lateral support for the building, thereby eliminating the requirement for cross braces in the frame of the structure. Once the foundation is laid, it is possible to completely assemble the building utilizing the simplest of tools (a screwdriver and wrench) and labor of a relatively low skill level. Since fewer parts are used in fabricating the building than is necessary in prior art structures, buildings can be erected or dismantled in a relatively short period of time, thereby greatly reducing the expense in erecting and/or moving the building.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide new and improved structural materials that can be utilized to fabricate buildings.

Another object of this invention is to provide structural materials which allow buildings to be fabricated from a minimal number of component parts.

Still another object of this invention is to reduce the cost of buildings by providing structural members that can be fabricated into buildings quicker and easier than was heretofore possible.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a building that can be erected without utilizing highly skilled labor.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a building that can be easily dismantled and reassembled at a different location without the necessity for replacement of a substantial number of the component parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a building wherein provision is made for attaching appurtenances to both the inside and outside surfaces of the building without the necessity for puncturing the building surfaces.

Another object of this invention is to provide a building whereby means are provided for attaching antennas or the like to the roof of the building at different locations without the necessity for puncturing the roof, whereby the antennas can easily be moved to a different location without damage to the building.

These and many other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent as the following detailed description of the invention un folds when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the new structural wall panel provided by the present invention;

FIGURE 2A is a perspective view of a portion of the wall panel illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIGURE 1 illustrating the flanges provided along the edges of the wall panel;

FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIGURE 1 illustrating the spaced apart clips used for assembling a building in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 3A is a view similar to FIGURE 2A, but showing an embodiment of the invention especially adapted for use on a roof panel;

FIGURE 3B is a view similar to FIGURE 2B that shows the raised flange of a roof panel;

FIGURE 3C is a view similar to FIGURE 2C illustrating the clip provided for a roof panel;

FIGURE 4A is a view similar to FIGURE 2B that iilustrates another embodiment of the wall panel in which the base material is completely enclosed in a layer of metal;

FIGURE 48 is a view similar to FIGURE 23, but illustrates a roof panel that is completely enclosed in a layer of metal;

FIGURE 5A is an expanded perspective view illustrating another manner in which the roof panel may be fabricated;

FIGURE 58 is a cross-sectional View of the roof panel illustrated in FIGURE 5A showings the assembled roof panel;

FIGURE 5C is a perspective view of a clip member that can be used to form a wall panel;

FIGURE 5D is a cross-sectional View illustrating an assembled wall panel that incorporates the clip member of FIGURE 5C;

FIGURE 6 is an expanded perspective View illustrating a preferred type of U-beam for use in practicing the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a cut-away perspective view of a building fabricated according to the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a view in cross section taken along line 3-8 of FIGURE 7 that illustrates the preferred sill plate used in practicing the invention;

FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 99 of FIGURE 7 illustrating the manner in which the improved structural material of the present invention can be assembled with the U-beams and appropriately formed metal plates to fabricate the walls of a building;

FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the preferred roof beams for use in constructing the building provided by the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG- URE 10 that illustrates an improved beam member;

noted generally by the reference numeral ll provided by the present invention will now be described in detail. The panel is seen to comprise a sheet 11 of plywood or similar material that may be of any desired size such as 4 feet by 10 feet. 'A layer 12 of suitable metal such as aluminum or steel is bonded or otherwise secured to one face 12 and two edges 14 and 15 of the board as best seenin FIGURES 2A-2C utilizing methods that are well known in the art.

Flanges 1e and 17 extend outwardly along the edges 14 and 15 of the panel In. The flanges ldand 1? preferably terminate in arcuate portions 2%) and 2 1 for reasons that will become obvious as the description of the invention continues. At predetermined intervals, the arcuate portions 22 and 23 are extended to form inwardly turned clips 24 and 25. The clips 24 and 25 may be terminated with outwardly extending straight portions 26 and 27.

As stated earlier, the panel 1% described with reference to FIGURES 2A-2C is especially useful for forming walls. The embodiment of the panel preferred for use as a roof panel is similar to that shown in FIGURES 2A- ZC; the principal difference being in the relative position of the arcuate flanges and clips. The details of the roof panel St) can best be understood by reference to FIG- URES 3A-3C where, as shown, a sheet 31 of plywood or similar material is providedras the base material. A layer 32 of suitable metal is secured to one face 33 of the sheet 31. The layer 32 of metal is bent upward along opposite edges of the plywood sheet 31 to form rim portions 34 and 35 that terminate in arcuat'e flange portions 38 and 39. Clips 4i and 41 that terminate in outwardly extending straight portions 42 and 43 are pro vided at predetermined intervals along the arcuate flange 38 and 39. a

A slightly different variation of the structural panel ltl illustrated in FIGURES 2A2C is shown in FIGURE 4A. Rather than form the flanges 16 and 17 and ,the clips 24 and 25 of the material 12 that is bonded to the plywood 11, the plywood 11 is completely encased in the layer 12 of metal. The necessary flanges 16 and117 are formed with one edge, 44 and 45 respectively, bent up at right angles to the flange. The flanges 16 and 17, including the integrally formed clips 24 and 25 may then be attached to the panel by spot welding or otherwise attaching the upturned edges 44 and 45 to the metal covering the edges 14 and 15. Many other methods and configurations useful for attaching the clips 24 and 25 to the panel 10 will become/obvious to those skilled in the art. This type of construction will, of course, be

7. equally applicable to the panel 36/ described with reference to FIGURES 3A-3C as shown in FIGUREAB.

By utilizing a sheet 11 ofplywood or other material to which a layer 12 of metal is bonded, it is possible to obtain a structural panel 10 that is physically durable but yet possesses much greater strength then would the sheet of metal alone. Plywood is preferred because of its strength and because it can be made moisture resistant, thereby rendering it unnecessary to completely encase plywood. The clips provide means by which members may be easily assembled to form structures without the necessity for complicated brackets and hardware. When used in conjunction with the U-beams described with reference to FIGURE 6, a weather tight V are preferred.

All.

joint is obtained without the necessity for calking or flashing.

For application where structural strength is not so im 'portant and panels somewhat lighter in weight are desired, structural panels as shown in FIGURES SA-SD As shown, this type of panel is formed by enclosing a sheet of foam material 120 such as styrene or polyester foam within a metal sheath formed by a pan 122 and a cover 124. In this specific example, outwardly extending corrugations 126 and 1.28am formed along two opposite sides 13% and 132 respectively, of the pan 122 and inwardly extending corrugations 134 and 136 are formed along sides 13S and Mt) of the cover 124 The cover 124 is slightly smaller than the pan 122 in order that the cover 124 may fit within the pan 122 with clearance for the clip members 142. The clip members 142 are seen to include a side 144 and an arcuate flange portion 146. Corrugations 148 and 150 are formed in the side 14% as shown. Clips 152 that may be formed with a straight portion 154 are provided at predetermined intervals along the arcuate flange 1%. 'i

To assemble the panel, the sheet 126 of foam material and cover 124 are placed in the pan 122 with the cover 124' enclosing the foam material as shown in FIGURE 5B. The clip members 142 are then pressed in place so that the corrugations 143 mesh with the corrugations 126 and {.23 formed in the pan 122 and the corrugations 159 mesh with the corrugations 134 and 136 formed in the cover 124.. V

The interlocking corrugations effectively hold the panel together, but the panel will not be sealed. As moisture may damage some foam materials, it is desirable to provide a layer of sealing material 156 on the inside of all corners of thepan 122.. The sealing material 156 will be forced into the spaces between the pan 1Z2, cover 124, and clip members 142 when the cover 124 and clip members 142 are pressed into position, .thereby elfectively sealing the panel. In addition, the sealing material serves to bind all parts together, thereby creating a stronger and tighter panel. An example of a suitable sealingmaterial is Bonding Adhesive No. 1175.25 manufactured and sold by the Prestite Division of American Marietta C0rp., Zenilope, Pennsylvania.

FIGURE 5C illustrates a clip member 158 that can be used with the foam material 120, pan 122, and cover 124 to form a panel of the type preferred in constructing walls. The clip members 158 is seen to comprise a side 169 formed with corrugations 1&2 and 164 that corre 'spond to corrugations 148 and 150 in the clip member 142. A flange 166 that terminates in an arcuate end portion 163 is formed perpendicular to the side 16%. Clips 1'70 that include a straight portion 172 are formed at predetermined intervals along the flange 166.

The assembly of the panel shown in FIGURE 51) is the same as the panel shown in FIGURE 58, the only difference in the panels being the difference between the physical configuration of the clip members 142 and 158.

In addition to the advantage of being lighter in weight than the panels described withreference .to FIGURES 13C, the panels shown in FIGURES 5A-SD have several other advantageous features. Of great importance in 7 panel of FIGURES SATSD can be manufactured at a lower cost than the panels of FIGURES 13C. The

' encasing elements may be molded or otherwise fabricated of plastic allowing the panels to be produced in a wide variety of colors without the necessity for painting or anodizing the encasement.

If foam material is used as the encased material, the preferred method for forming the panels is to mold the foam material in the cover. This insures that the foam material will completely fill the panel improving the strength and insulating properties of the panel and making it unnecessary to form large sheets of the material which must then be cut to size. Very little of the foam material is Wasted and the problem of handling the sheets of foam material is eliminated.

The material that is encased can be varied to suit the the particular application. Thus, for example, a foam material offers the advantage of good insulating properties in addition to being lightweight. If, on the other hand, structural strength is of primary importance, a sheet of plywood can be used. In general, however, the panels described with reference to FIGURES l3C will be utilized where strength and durability are of prime importance and the panel shown in FIGURES SA-SD will be preferred for applications where the above described features of color, lightweight and insulating properties are more important.

FIGURE 6 illustrates the preferred type of U-beam St) to be used in conjunction with the panels 10 and St) in fabricating a building. This preferred type of U- beam is sold by the Unistrut Corporation of Wayne, Michigan, under the registered trademark Unistrut." For a complete description of the types of Unistrut beams, channels, and brackets available, reference is made to the Unistrut General Engineering Catalog No. 5, copyrighted in 1958 and to United States Patents Numbers 2,345,650,

2,380,379, 2,696,139, 2,327,587, 2,363,382, and 2,329,-

Briefly, however, the Unistrut beam designated herein by the reference numeral 50 is formed of two channels 51 with the web portions 58 of the channels welded to form a unitary structure as shown. The edges 52 and 53 of the channels are turned inwardly and shaped into a wedge type configuration such that a nut 54 that is formed with serrated grooves 55 may be located in the channels 51.

The serrated grooves 55 in the nut 54 cooperates with the edges'SZ and 53 mentioned above to allow other beams or brackets to be securely anchored to the beam Si by bolts 56. To this end, the dimension of the unit 54 perpendicular to the groove 55 is appreciably greater than the width of the slots 57 formed by the inturned edges 52 and 53 whereas the dimension of the nut 54 parallel to the grooves 55 is somewhat less than the width of the slot 59 allowing the nut 54 to be inserted into the channels 51 at any point. The nut 54 is provided with a spring 69 such that when the nut is pressed into the slot and turned, the spring will force the grooves 55 of the nut 5 against the int-urned sharp edges 52 and 53, thereby maintaining the nut 54 in a desired position until such time as it may be utilized.

The construction of a building in accordance with the principles of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGURE 7 which shows such a building in perspective with portions of the building cut away to reveal structural details.

When fabricating a building accordingto the present invention, a conventional foundation 7d of suitable material is first formed. A suitable sill plate 72, such as the one shown in FIGURE 8, is attached to the foundation by anchor bolts 74 or other suitable means. The sill plate shown in FIGURE 8 includes a base portion 76 that rests on the foundation and an upturned edge portion 78. The other edge 89 of the sill plate 72' is bent down along the edge of the foundation 70.and then outward to form a shelf 82 upon which the panel It) may rest. Tabs 84 are punched out of the base portion 76 of the'sill plate 72 at predetermined intervals and holes 85 are formed in the tabs 84 that align with holes 86 punched in the upturned edge 78 of the sill plate 72. The beams 59 (shown in phantom) are then amounted to the sill plate as illustrated in FIGURE 8 using nuts 54 and 56. It is readily seen that the position of the tabs 84 accurately de termine the location of the beams 50.

After the beams 51' that serve as wall studs have been erected and positioned utilizing the tabs 84 formed in the 9% may support heavier loads.

sill plate 72, the remainder of the building frame work is completed.

The preferred beams 9%, for use as roof beams, are of the type shown in FIGURE 10 wherein a metal plate 92 that extends outwardly from the sides of the channels 94 and 96 is provided between the two channels 94 and 96. Welding or other means may be used to provide a unitary structure. In some instances it is necessary to use a configuration such as that shown in FIGURE 11 wherein a tubular member 98 is used betweeen the two channels 94 and 96 rather than a plate 92 in order that the beam Such a roof beam has been found desirable in those instances where the distance to be spanned exceeds 8 feet. The manner in which the roof beams are assembled will be described in detail with reference to FIGURE 12.

Once the framework of beams 50 and 94) has been completed, the outside walls may be erected by resting the panels if on the shelf 82 on the sill plate 72 and pressing the panels 19 against the beams St) to cause the clip portions 2 5 and 25 of the panels It) to snap in place as shown in FIGURE 9. The tabs 84 of sill plate 72 accurately position the beams Stl such that the distance between adjacent beams 59 will allow the clips 24 and 25 to clasp the inturned edges 52 and 53 of beams St It is possible for one man to install the panels 10 as there is no necessity to position the board and then hold it in place while a series of brackets or clamps are installed. The straight portions 26 and 27 of the clips 24 and 25 function as cams springing the clips out and around the inturned edges 52 and 53, thereby aiding the assembly operation. Because of the manner in which the flanges 16 and 17 and the clips 24 and 25 extend around the inturned edges 52 and 53 of the channel 51, the wall thus formed is completely weather tight. Although the flanges 16 and 17 do not clasp the inturned edges 52 and 53, the arcnate end portions 20 and 2 1 conform to the shape of the edges 52 and 53 to the extent necessary to effectively seal the joint. In addition to enclosing the space between the beams Stl, the panels in are held firmly to the beams 50 by the clips 24 and 25, thereby supporting and bracing the beams 50.

Although it is not necessary, batten plates 100 which rest over the flanges 16 and 17 may be installed as shown in FIGURE 9 by inserting the nuts 54, described with reference to FIGURE 6, into the channel at those points where the clip is not present, as shown in FIGURE 2A, and screwing bolts 56 through the plate 1% into the nuts 54. At those points where the clip is not present, the nut 54 is allowed to come in contact with the edges 52 and 53 of the beam 5t? as shown. Suitably formed door frames 102 and corner plates 1M, also shown in FIGURE 9, are also provided. Although the. bat-ten plates res and the corner plates 1% are not necessary, they are considered desirable in that they provide a more finished look to the building and improve its appear-ance.

FIGURE 12 illustrates the manner in which the roof beams 90 may be connected to the beams 5%. As best seen in FIGURE 7, a plurality of channels 1% that function as headers are located about the periphery of the frame-work. The channels that function as headers are of the type described with reference to FIGURE 6. The roof beams 98 rest on the channels 1% and all are rigidly connected by angle bracket using bolts 56 that screw into nuts 54. It is practical for the roof beam 9% to extend past the side of the building to provide an cave of the desired Width.

FIGURE 13 best illustrates the manner in which the roof panel 30 may *be used in conjunction with the beams 90 to form the roof of a building. As shown in FIG- URES 12 and 13, the edge of the lower face of the panel 3t) rests upon the metal plate 92 while the clips 40 and 41 and flanges 36 and 37 extend around the inturned edges 95 and 96 of the channel 94, thereby hold- The clips 40 and 4-1 give some lateral support to the beams 9t), but primarily function to hold the panels St) in place and provide a waterproof joint between the panels 3% and the beams 90. t must be observed that in some instances, for example panel 1&2, the clips will be provided on an adjacent rather than opposite side of the panel. In larger buildings, it may be desirable to form the clips and flanges on all four sides.

Batten plates of the type used with the wall panel 1%) may be'installed to keep rain out o f the channels 94 and to aid in securing the panels 35) to the beams 91).

However, if batten plates are not used, any moisture that may collect in the exposed channel 94 is free to run out the open end. Since the roof panel Si) is at a lower level than the rim of the channel, water will not flow from the panel into the channel 94, thereby minimizing the possibility of the channel 94 filling with water and producing leaks by osmotic action.

FIGURE 12 also illustrates the manner in which the batten plate 1% held by bolts 55 extends into the lower channel 94 of the beam 9d, Whereas the panels forming the wall fit close to the sides of the beam Ml and the bottom of the plate 92.

The flat roof construction provided by the present invention is considered a great improvement over those of the prior art. Flat sheet metal roofs were not considered practicalbefore in that it was very difficult to eflectively seal the joints between the roof panels and the holes formed in the roofing material in the process of erecting the roof. Most present day fiat roofs are either of concrete or the multiple stage type. The concrete roof is heavy and requires heavy supporting members. The multiple stage roof ordinarily includes a layer of decking, a vapor barrier, and several alternate layers of felt and asphalt. Obviously the prior art roofs are much more difficult and expensive to install.

The present roof is very durable because of the metal exterior. The panels have sufiicierit strength to allow a person to walk on the roof without damage to the roof. Because of the hole-free construction and the manner in whichthe joints are made, leaks are elirninate-d. If desired, the batten strips or portions thereof maybe eliminated to allow railings, antennas, etc. to be attached to the exposed channels of the roof beams without the necessity for puncturing the roof.

FIGURE 14 illustrates one manner in which an antenna mast 110 or other object could be attached to the roof of the building at any point on the beams 911 where a batten plate is not present and clips do not extend around the edges of the channel. As shown, a threaded antenna mast 110 is screwed into the serrated nut 54. A suitable washer or plate 112 provides a supporting surface for a lock nut 114 which is tightened to secure the mast 110 to the beam 99.

FIGURE 14 also shows one w y in h ppu nances, for example a wave guide support 116 attached to a threaded rod 118, could be suspended from the interior ceiling of the building .by screwing the threaded rod into a nut 54 placed in the'lower channel 94 that is exposed to the interior of the building. 7

After the wall and roof panels provided by the present invention have been installed, a virtually weather tight structure is formed. However, some cracks will exist around the foundation and roof lines. These cracks can be filled with any suitable calking material to provide a completely weather tight structure. If desired, suitable insulating material can be nailed or glued to theinside of the Walls. The slots of the U-beams that provide the 8 framework of the building can, of course, be utilized to penform their normal function of supporting shelves, racks, hangers, conduit, etc.

A building fabricated according to the principles of the present invention provides may advantages in that it is possible for only one man to completely assemble a relatively large building, as would be suitable for housing microwave equipment, in a very short period of time. It is much simpler than the prior art structures in that many brackets, clamps, etc. that are required to assemble the prior at structures have been eliminated. A virtually weather tight structure is provided without the necessity of the extensive use of calking materials and flashing. It is a modulator type structure in that the same component parts can be utilized to construct a very small vault type structure or a relatively large building capable of storing a considerable amount of equipment. The metal clad plywood board provides a stilt structural material that greatly increases the strength and rigidity of the building. Since the plywood is clad with metal on at least its exterior sunface, maintenance is reduced to a minimum and "long life assured. By utilizing sufficiently heavy metal to clad the plywood, it is possible to achieve a relatively bullet-proof structure and one that is safe for storing almost any type of equipment or material. If additional lead sheathing is utilized, it is suitable as a fallout shelter. 7 Because all of the parts are pro-formed, and hence no alterations are required, the building can be, if desired, easily dismantled and reassembled at another location without the necessity of replacement of parts. If the building is dismantled and the parts no longer have use as a building, the Unistrut'members can be used to form storage racks; the panels can be out into for shelving, stair treads, or be used to make strong containers, thereby providing virtually complete salvage of the building.

Although the present invention has been described with regard to only particular preferred embodiments, many changes and modifications would be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the roof beams could be used as studs or the roof panels could be used to form walls. The invention is to be limited, therefore, not to what has been disclosed herein, but only as necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is: i i

1. In a structure having a roof, the improvement wherein said roof comprises:

(a) at least two roof beam members disposed in parallel relationship.

(b) each of said roof beam members comprising a channel of substantially U-sectionhaving a web portion and two side walls, each of said side walls terminating at the open end of said channel with an inwardly extending flange having an inturned portion forming a longitudinal rib, the edge portion of each said longitudinal rib defining a clamping ridge,

(0) at least one panel member spanning the space between said at least two roof beam members,

(d) said panel member having a flange means extending along each of two opposed sides of said panel member and clips extending from said flange means at predetermined intervals,

(e) each said flange means overlaying an inwardly extending flange of said roof beam with said clips clasping said inturned portion,

(1) a plurality of slotted nuts arranged within said channel with their slots engaging said clamping ridges, said nuts being positioned between said clips,

(g) batten plates covering the slots formed between said side Walls and overlaying the said flange means, and

(h) bolts passing through said batten plates to threadedly engage said nuts and hold said batten plates in position with said batten plates bearing 9 against said flange means to assist said clips in holding said panel member in position.

2. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said roof beam members include shelf members of greater width than said channels attached to the web portions of said channels, said panel members resting on said shelf members.

3. In a structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said panel member comprises a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a layer of metal secured to said upper surface, said layer of metal being bent upwardly away from said upper surface along two edges of said base member and bent outwardly and terminated in an arcuate end portion to define said flange means.

4. In a structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said clip means comprises an extension of said arcuate end portions bent downwardly and inwardly toward said base member and terminated at their free end in an inclined portion which projects laterally outward from said base member.

5. A building structure comprising:

(a) at least two beam members disposed in parallel relationship,

(b) each of said beam members comprising a channel of substantially U-section having a Web portion and two side Walls, each of said side walls terminating at the open end of said channel with an inwardly extending flange having an inturned portion forming a longitudinal rib, the edge portion of each said inturned portion defining a clamping ridge,

() at least one panel member spanning the space between said at least two beam members,

(d) said panel member having a flange means positioned along at least two opposed sides of said panel member and clips extending from said flange means at predetermined intervals,

(e) said flange means overlaying an inwardly extending flange of said beam and said clips clasping said inturned portion to hold said panel member in position against said beam member,

(1) a plurality of slotted nuts arranged Within said channel with their slots engaging said clamping ridges, said nuts being positioned between said clips,

(g) batten plates overlaying said flange means and covering the open end of said channel, and

(/1) bolts passing through said batten plates to threadedly engage said nuts and hold said batten plates in position with said batten plates bearing against said flange means to assist said clips in holding said panel member in position.

6. A building structure as defined in claim 5 wherein said flange means is shaped to conform to the configuration of the inwardly extending flange of said channel.

7. A building structure as defined in claim 5 wherein said panel member comprises a base member and a layer of protective material secured to at least one side of said base member.

8. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said flange means terminates in an arcuate end portion and said clips extend from said arcuate end portion, each of said clips having an inclined extension at its free end projecting laterally outward from said panel member.

9. A building structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said protective material comprises a layer of metal.

10. A building structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said base member comprises laminated plywood.

References tlited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,300,443 Merrill Apr. 15, 1919 1,780,269 Miller Nov. 4, 1930 2,055,127 Goodwin Sept. 22, 1936 2,279,063 Rogers Apr. '7, 1942 2,391,436 Miskella Dec. 25, 1945 2,486,563 lorgensen Nov. 1, 1949 2,710,081 Fink June 7, 1955 2,747,703 Bro'cerg May 29, 1956 2,822,898 Richards Feb. 11, 1958 2,907,287 Trostle Oct. 6, 1959 2,948,362 Jones Aug. 9, 1960 OTHER REFERENCES Unistrut, General Engineering Catalogue, No. 5, pages 2, 3, 111/2 relied on. 

1. IN A STRUCTURE HAVING A ROOF, THE IMPROVEMENT WHEREIN SAID ROOF COMPRISES: (A) AT LEAST TWO ROOF BEAM MEMBERS DISPOSED IN PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP. (B) EACH OF SAID ROOF BEAM MEMBERS COMPRISING A CHANNEL OF SUBSTANTIALLY U-SECTION HAVING A WEB PORTION AND TWO SIDE WALLS, EACH OF SAID SIDE WALLS TERMINATING AT THE OPEN END OF SAID CHANNEL WITH AN INWARDLY EXTENDING FLANGE HAVING AN INTURNED POSITION FORMING A LONGITUDINAL RIB DEFINING A CLAMPING RIDGE, SAID LONGITUDINAL RIB DEFINING A CLAMPING RIDGE, (C) AT LEAST ONE PANEL MEMBER SPANNING THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID AT LEAST TWO ROOF BEAM MEMBERS, (D) SAID PANEL MEMBER HAVING A FLANGE MEANS EXTENDING ALONG EACH OF TWO OPPOSED SIDES OF SAID PANEL MEMBER AND CLIPS EXTENDING FROM SAID FLANGE MEANS AT PREDETERMINED INTERVALS, (E) EACH SAID FLANGE MEANS OVERLAYING AN INWARDLY EXTENDING FLANGE OF SAID ROOF BEAM WITH SAID CLIPS CLASPING SAID INTURNED PORTION, (F) A PLURALITY OF SLOTTED NUTS ARRANGED WITHIN SAID CHANNEL WITH THEIR SLOTS ENGAGING SAID CLAMPING RIDGES, SAID NUTS BEING POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID CLIPS, (G) BATTEN PLATES COVERING THE SLOTS FORMED BETWEEN SAID SIDE WALLS AND OVERLAYING THE SAID FLANGE MEANS, AND (H) BOLTS PASSING THROUGH SAID BATTEN PLATES TO THREADEDLY ENGAGE SAID NUTS AND HOLD SAID BATTEN PLATES IN POSITION WITH SAID BATTEN PLATES BEARING AGAINST SAID FLANGE MEANS TO ASSIST SAID CLIPS IN HOLDING SAID PANEL MEMBER IN POSITION. 